Climate Justice and Agroecology in Southern and Eastern Africa: launch of advocacy strategies

(Harare) May 10, 2018 — Small holder farmers from across the Southern and Eastern Africa Region converge in Harare at SOS Children’s Village from the 14th-17th May 2018 to deliberate on findings from country studies carried out by LA Via Campesina Southern and Eastern Africa (LVC SEAf) on the effects of climate change on the production and livelihoods of peasant farmer communities as part of a project to build climate justice advocacy in the region.

Representatives of member organisations from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, DRC, national and regional allies will, over the four days discuss the effects of climate change in their communities, climate resilience and the relationships between the realities of small-scale famers and the policy environment and positions of national governments in relation to the climate question.

Findings from the studies highlight that small-scale farmers have not remained passive victims to the phenomena of climate change. Despite having limited access to resources and support from government, and the often-counterproductive mainstream solutions promoted by public non-governmental and private sectors, they are gradually taking practical steps towards building climate justice within their communities. These practices (underpinned by food sovereignty) range from agroecology, crop diversification, crop rotation, agro-forestry, conservation agriculture and water harvesting practices including sustainable water and soil management practices.

Integral to the discussions are the peasant communities’ concepts of food sovereignty, organic farming methods and agroecology as part of building collective action to promote and achieve Climate Justice. Advocacy tools developed during the studies such as videos (gender and land grabbing) and a primer which will be launched.

The event will provide a platform to discuss advocacy and strategies and define concrete actions to continue amplifying climate justice and agroecology as key to tackling the global climate crisis. Engagement policy dialogue meetings with policy makers and government officials will also be part of the program for the event.

An Open Letter to SADC/COMESA/AU highlighting the social struggles and demands of peasant farmers will be launched. A press conference to be held during the event on 17 May at SOS Children’s Village at 12:00noon.